Gujarat Reservoirs Witness Sharp Drop in Water Storage, 147 Of 206 Hold Less Than 70%

Gujarat’s reservoirs have recorded a sharp decline in water storage following below-average monsoon rainfall in 2026, with 147 of the state’s 206 reservoirs holding less than 70% of their capacity. The Sardar Sarovar Dam remains a major source of relief, as it has recorded slightly higher water storage than the previous year.

The state recorded 10,103 million cubic metres (MCM) of water across its 206 reservoirs in November 2026, compared with 15,284.37 MCM during the corresponding period in 2025. This marks a decline of 5,181.37 MCM in a year.

A similar fall has been recorded in the state's 17 major reservoirs. Their combined water storage dropped from 12,783.78 MCM in November 2025 to 8,840.65 MCM in November 2026, a reduction of 3,943.13 MCM.

Gujarat Records 249.84 Mm Less Rainfall Than Last Year

Gujarat received 811.96 mm of rainfall this year, equivalent to 89.34% of its average annual rainfall. By comparison, the state had received 1,061.80 mm by November 2025, accounting for 119.13% of the average.

The state has therefore recorded 249.84 mm less rainfall than last year, with the rainfall percentage declining by 29.79%.

The weaker monsoon has affected water availability across several parts of Gujarat, raising concerns over irrigation, agricultural activities and drinking water supplies in the coming months.

Water Storage in Gujarat's Major Reservoirs (MCM)

Note: Water storage figures are in million cubic metres (MCM).

While most major reservoirs have recorded a decline in water storage, the Sardar Sarovar Dam has maintained a relatively better position.

The dam held 9,369.82 MCM of water in November 2025. Its storage increased to 9,440.68 MCM in November 2026, marking a rise of 70.86 MCM over the previous year.

Reservoirs With More Than 90% Water Fall From 151 To 35

The distribution of water across Gujarat's reservoirs has changed considerably over the past year.

In November 2025, as many as 151 reservoirs held more than 90% of their storage capacity. This year, the number has fallen to just 35.

On the other hand, the number of reservoirs holding less than 70% water has increased from 30 in November 2025 to 147 in November 2026.

The figures indicate a substantial deterioration in the state's overall water storage position within a year.

Four Districts Face Drought-Like Conditions

The impact of the weak monsoon has been particularly severe in Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Kutch.

These four districts received inadequate rainfall during the monsoon, leading to drought-like conditions. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has declared drought in the affected districts.

The situation has raised concerns over agricultural output and water availability, particularly as the state enters the post-monsoon period.

The lower reservoir levels could also increase pressure on water management authorities to ensure adequate supplies during the coming months.

Ajwa Reservoir Records February-Like Water Level In November

The declining water storage has also affected Ajwa Lake near Vadodara, where the water level has remained significantly lower than last year.

In 2025, following heavy monsoon rainfall, the lake's water level reached 212.95 feet in September. Rising inflows forced authorities to open all 62 gates of the reservoir.

The situation is markedly different this year. Ajwa Lake has not reached the danger mark even once during the monsoon season.

Its water level stood at 208.57 feet on the morning of November 3, 2026. This is a level generally observed around February, indicating that the reservoir has entered the post-monsoon period with considerably less water than last year.